Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

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aka
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Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#1 Post by aka »

When you put aluminum capping on the exterior windows on the outside side, do you put caulking on the open side. This is the side away from the window. I have heard one guy say you should not because you want moisture to go out. Can you please advice?

mjvtri
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#2 Post by mjvtri »

Generally no but it depends on the application. What type of house do you have (brick, siding, hardieplank)?

aka
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#3 Post by aka »

Brick

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HomeSealed
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#4 Post by HomeSealed »

It does depend on the application, although caulk should ideally be little more than "cya" and aesthetics for water penetration. Proper flashing detail(including the wrap) along with low expansion foam should have the opening completely sealed and managing water properly. Caulking in a place that should not be caulked CAN cause problems.

mjvtri
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#5 Post by mjvtri »

aka wrote:Brick
you don't caulk brick to allow the moisture to escape and plus it would look horrible.

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Delaware Mike
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#6 Post by Delaware Mike »

mjvtri wrote:
aka wrote:Brick
you don't caulk brick to allow the moisture to escape and plus it would look horrible.
If you don't caulk the capping to the brick and mortar you will have gaps everywhere since not all brick work runs perfectly in a vertical line. Bugs and all kinds of critters will find this attractive to build their nest and condos. Since we don't have actual pictures of your project and statement like "you don't caulk brick and it looks terrible" is ridiculous. When caulking brick most guys will go with something like OSI quad for white or colors since it's a heavier sealant than silicone and tends to be applied in a nicer bead that wouldn't require tooling. Silicone is this application (size bead) especially if it's white or clear will get pretty dirty. For clear I recommend Geocel which stays very clean for a clear hybrid exterior sealant. Regardless, a good looking cap job and install can be wrecked by a bad caulk job!

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HomeSealed
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#7 Post by HomeSealed »

Delaware Mike wrote:
If you don't caulk the capping to the brick and mortar you will have gaps everywhere since not all brick work runs perfectly in a vertical line. Bugs and all kinds of critters will find this attractive to build their nest and condos. Since we don't have actual pictures of your project and statement like "you don't caulk brick and it looks terrible" is ridiculous. When caulking brick most guys will go with something like OSI quad for white or colors since it's a heavier sealant than silicone and tends to be applied in a nicer bead that wouldn't require tooling. Silicone is this application (size bead) especially if it's white or clear will get pretty dirty. For clear I recommend Geocel which stays very clean for a clear hybrid exterior sealant. Regardless, a good looking cap job and install can be wrecked by a bad caulk job!
Well said.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#8 Post by Windows on Washington »

+1

Bad caulking is bad caulking but brick should be capped. It is not a water management issue as much as it is a petulance issue.

Don't me wrong, you don't want bulk moisture movement through there, however, the current construction methodology (i.e. brick veneer) does have a drying plane behind it.

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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#9 Post by TheWindowNerd »

It should be attractively and well sealed. IMHO

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Calking on the aluminum capping on the exterior windows

#10 Post by Windows on Washington »

anthony wrote:It should be attractively and well sealed. IMHO
How are you feeling?

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